The 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal matchup between Tennessee and Ohio State was billed as an epic clash of titans. However, what transpired on the field in this highly anticipated game was far from the competitive contest that many had expected. Ohio State thoroughly dominated Tennessee, handing them a lopsided loss that sent the Volunteers home with their tails between their legs. While there were numerous factors that contributed to Tennessee’s lackluster performance, a handful of players and coaches can be held responsible for the team’s inability to show up when it mattered most.
In this blog post, we will examine four key individuals—two players and two coaches—whose errors or missteps played a pivotal role in Tennessee’s humiliating loss. From defensive breakdowns to offensive misfires, these four contributed significantly to the Volunteers’ inability to compete with the Buckeyes.
1. Joe Milton III (Quarterback)
One of the most glaring weaknesses for Tennessee in their loss to Ohio State was the play of quarterback Joe Milton III. Milton has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but in this particular game, he was a shell of the player he had been earlier in the year.
Milton’s inconsistency was evident from the opening whistle. Time and time again, he missed open receivers and made poor decisions that stymied Tennessee’s offensive rhythm. His inaccuracy, particularly on deep balls, allowed Ohio State’s defense to focus on shutting down the run game and limiting Tennessee’s passing attack. In a game of this magnitude, quarterbacks are expected to elevate their play, but Milton did the opposite. Instead of managing the game and making crucial throws when the team needed him, he allowed Ohio State’s defense to take control.
There were multiple instances where Milton simply failed to recognize Ohio State’s blitz packages or adjustments, leading to sacks and stalled drives. He lacked the poise and leadership needed to keep the team competitive against a top-tier opponent like Ohio State. For Tennessee to have had any chance to stay in the game, they needed a quarterback who could keep the defense honest and take advantage of the opportunities presented to him. Unfortunately, Joe Milton was not that player.
2. Kamara Thomas (Defensive Back)
On the other side of the ball, Kamara Thomas, one of Tennessee’s key defensive backs, had an absolutely disastrous performance. The secondary was a major liability throughout the game, but Thomas’s inability to cover Ohio State’s wide receivers was particularly evident.
Ohio State’s passing attack was on fire, and much of that success can be attributed to Thomas’s breakdowns in coverage. He was frequently caught out of position, allowing receivers to get wide open for big gains. This allowed Ohio State to methodically move the ball down the field, opening up the entire offense. Thomas was burned multiple times on crucial third-down situations, and his failure to stay with his man in the end zone allowed Ohio State to build a commanding lead.
In a game where the defense was already struggling, Thomas’s lack of discipline and focus further exposed Tennessee’s vulnerabilities. Defensive backs are tasked with limiting explosive plays and keeping the offense within striking distance. Thomas failed in this regard, and his inability to lock down even the most basic assignments was a contributing factor to Ohio State’s dominance.
3. Josh Heupel (Head Coach)
As the head coach, Josh Heupel carries the ultimate responsibility for the team’s performance. Unfortunately, in this CFP semifinal, he failed to make the necessary adjustments, both in terms of strategy and execution. Ohio State’s defense came out strong, and Heupel’s game plan seemed flat-footed and predictable, especially in the first half.
Heupel’s offense is built on a fast-paced, high-scoring approach, but against Ohio State, his team struggled to establish any rhythm. He failed to adapt to the Buckeyes’ defense, which mixed up its looks and brought consistent pressure on Milton. Instead of adjusting to Ohio State’s schemes and shifting the focus of the offense, Heupel stuck with an attack that was becoming increasingly ineffective. The result was a Tennessee offense that could not put points on the board when they needed them the most.
Another major issue was Heupel’s lack of focus on the fundamentals. His coaching staff appeared unprepared to deal with Ohio State’s adjustments, and as the game wore on, it became clear that the Volunteers were being outcoached in every aspect. In a playoff game, where every decision matters, Heupel’s inability to make in-game corrections contributed to Tennessee’s demise. Against a powerhouse like Ohio State, those mistakes are costly.
4. Tim Banks (Defensive Coordinator)
When it comes to blaming Tennessee’s defeat on the defensive side of the ball, defensive coordinator Tim Banks must also take a significant portion of the blame. While the defense as a whole struggled, Banks’s inability to adjust to Ohio State’s offensive game plan and prevent big plays was one of the primary reasons for the Buckeyes’ offensive success.
Ohio State’s offense was a well-oiled machine, and Banks failed to slow it down or disrupt the rhythm. The defense struggled in both pass coverage and stopping the run, but what was particularly alarming was the lack of adjustments as the game progressed. Whether it was Ohio State exploiting mismatches on the outside or finding soft spots in the middle of the field, Banks seemed unable to make any meaningful changes to stem the tide.
Additionally, Banks’s defensive line could not generate enough pressure on Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord, which allowed the Buckeyes to pick apart Tennessee’s secondary. While some of this may be due to individual player breakdowns, Banks is responsible for putting his players in the best position to succeed. Unfortunately, his defensive game plan was too passive, and he failed to get creative in his play-calling to disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm. When facing an elite team like Ohio State, this lack of adjustment is unacceptable.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s loss to Ohio State in the CFP semifinal was a humbling and eye-opening experience for the Volunteers. While Ohio State’s excellence certainly played a role in the lopsided score, there were critical missteps from key players and coaches that ensured the game would never be competitive. Joe Milton’s poor quarterback play, Kamara Thomas’s defensive lapses, Josh Heupel’s failure to adjust, and Tim Banks’s lack of defensive creativity all contributed to Tennessee’s “dog walking” at the hands of the Buckeyes.
As Tennessee looks to the future, these issues must be addressed if the program hopes to compete with the elite teams in college football. Whether it’s improving quarterback play, refining defensive schemes, or making smarter in-game decisions, there’s plenty of work to be done. For now, however, Tennessee fans are left to reflect on a missed opportunity and a painful reminder of the gap that still exists between them and the upper echelon of college football.